Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Arts

Overview

The Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide the academic and clinical education to prepare graduates to meet the existing and emerging demands of the profession. It is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and is deemed to be licensure-qualifying by the New York State Board of Professional Licensing of the New York State Education Department.

Unique Characteristics of the ProgramThis program offers graduate students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skill areas to meet the requirements for ASHA Certification and New York State Licensure. Resources available to the student include the Computer Center and Health Education Resource Center. The SJU Speech and Hearing Center is located on Union Turnpike at 152nd Street. The Center serves as a training facility for students while offering diagnostic and therapeutic services to the community. The Center has a rich resource of tests, materials, and equipment to support the clinical practicum experience. A wide variety of outside facilities including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and nursing homes provides additional externship opportunities whereby students can gain broad exposure to a variety of speech-language disorders in multidisciplinary settings. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in a global study experience in Guatemala.

Courses

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CurriculumThe 48-credit Master of Arts degree program is CAA Accredited in Speech-Language Pathology and is a New York State licensure-qualifying program. Each student must also satisfy a full-time residence requirement (a minimum of 9 credits) during one academic semester, excluding summer sessions.

Major Concentration (24 credit minimum)Of these 24 required credits in the major concentration, each student must complete 6 credits in the area of language disorders and 6 credits in speech disorders. Additionally, students must complete a 3-credit course in Audiology (CSD 214, 351, 355, or 364)

Clinical Practica (6 credits)All students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised, direct clinical experience; up to 6 credits of practicum may be applied toward the degree. In addition to 3-5 credits earned through clinical practica in Speech-Language Pathology, one credit must be earned through completion of CSD 420: Clinical Practicum in Audiology for Speech-Language Pathology.

Major Concentration (24 credits)Students complete a minimum of 24 credits selected in consultation with the faculty advisor. All students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience; up to six credits of practicum may be applied toward the degree.

Research Students in the thesis option enroll in Master's Research (CSD 900) for six credits and complete a thesis under the supervision of a faculty mentor and committee. Students electing the non-thesis Option select a three credit Special Research course (CSD 452 or 453) in their area of interest and complete a supervised research project or enroll in an advanced research methods course CSD 440. A written comprehensive examination is required of all students electing the non-thesis option. Students who elect the thesis option must prepare an oral defense.

Advanced Research (3-6 credits)Students in the thesis option enroll in Master's Research (CSD 900) for six credits and complete a thesis under the supervision of a faculty mentor and committee. Students electing the non-thesis option select a three credit Individual Research Project course (CSD 452) in their area of interest and complete a supervised research project OR enroll in an advanced research methods course (CSD 440). A written comprehensive examination is required of all students electing the non-thesis option. Students who elect the thesis option must prepare an oral defense.

Additional Coursework – The following courses are needed for ASHA Certification*. Although most students complete these courses at the undergraduate level, they may be taken after admission to the graduate program.

3 credits in Biological Sciences

3 credits in Physics or Chemistry

3 credits in Statistics

6 credits in Behavioral and/or Social sciences

Certification and LicensureIt should be noted that the program requires a minimum of 48 credits for the degree. Eligibility for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence* in Speech-Language Pathology may require more credits, depending on the student's undergraduate preparation.

The graduate program offers a New York State certification program for Teachers of Students with Speech-Language Disabilities (TSSLD). Endorsement to the State is available upon completion of the necessary requirements. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with New York State Department of Education Requirements* for the TSSLD and can visit the website.

Admission

Applicants to the Masters of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology program must:

Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Submit three (3) letters of recommendation

Submit a 300-word written statement of career goals

Submit GRE scores

Have the following undergraduate pre-requisite coursework in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:

CSD 1710- Phonetics

CSD 1720- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech System

CSD 1730- Language Acquisition

CSD 1740- Introduction to Hearing Science

CSD 2750- Introduction to Audiology

CSD 2760- Speech-Language Pathology I: Language Disorders

CSD 2770- Speech-Language Pathology II: Speech Disorders21 credits

Please see the Undergraduate Bulletin (St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology major) for a description of the content of these pre-requisite courses.

You may complete these pre-requisites here at St. John’s or elsewhere. To take them at St John’s, you need to make an appointment with the Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and bring official copies of your transcripts indicating prior coursework.

Pre-requisite coursework (21 credits) should be completed before matriculating. In some cases, students may apply while enrolled in their final courses.In addition, students must have:

Students may complete these courses after being admitted to the program, if they have not been taken on the undergraduate level.18 credits

Prior to beginning required supervised clinical hours at the University Clinics and external clinical placement sites, students will be required to undergo and successfully pass a Criminal Background Check, at a cost of approximately $100. For more information, please consult the current Graduate Bulletin.